Join AKHA in Participating in #MeatlessMonday

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I am officially a #MeatlessMonday blogger!  Check it out!  No, this is not just for the exposure.  I truly am enjoying the whole #MeatlessMonday campaign we have at the AKHA house.  It’s fun trying to find unique and interesting meat free recipes to make for dinner.  This week should be interesting.  I just hope S enjoys it as much as I think I will.  You’ll just have to stay tuned.  Muahahahah *coughcough*

Since we skipped Monday, due to it being St. Patrick’s Day and all, I thought I’d just share some of the benefits of doing at least one meat free meal a week.  S and I have been doing a #MeatlessMonday for a while now.  I can’t say that I feel healthier or better for it.  But I’m sure it is affecting my over all well being and has a global impact; given a pretty minuscule one for just the two of us, but still an impact none the less.  And they all say, “Every little bit helps,” right?

One meat free meal a week can reduce your risk of cancer and heart disease.  It can lower your blood pressure, your risk of diabetes, and your waist line.  Eating one or two meat free meals a week, eating less meat on days where meat is on the menu, and eating leaner meats will reduce your fat intake.  This paired with eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could shrink your waistline, aid in digestive issues and prevent constipation.  Yes, I know.  But it’s not easy to talk about added fiber without addressing THAT issue.

There are some lesser known benefits.  You might smell better!  I know.  It sounds weird, but there was a study done where men ate meat and their…um… aromas were tested by women.  Then they ate no meat and, well, you get the picture.  The meat-free aromas were more appealing to women. No, I have no idea how they think this stuff up…

The increased antioxidants can work wonders for your skin and fruits and veggies higher in nitrates (spinach, kale, beans) will boost your energy!  So, there are PLENTY of reasons to at least try a meat free meal at least once a week.

And there are global reasons to eat less meat.  You can reduce your carbon footprint by eating less meat.
Producing meat uses more water and fossil fuels than I even thought of!!  According to the #MeatlessMonday website, 1 pound of beef uses:

• as much energy as 256 100 watt bulbs
• as much water as taking 60 showers
• as much grain as 20 loaves of bread
• as much fuel as driving 32 miles

So, now that I’ve bored you with all the technical and scientific analysis of why you should eat less meat, let me talk about the food.  And no, I’m not talking about eggplant Parmesan and tofu or seitan.  While those are delicious, there are so many more meat free recipes that are just as delicious, hearty, and filling without the moo factor.

 

This is delicious Fettuccine Florentine from Veggie.Num.Num.

 

 

#Droolworthy Herbed Heirloom Tomato Tart from She’s Cookin.

And this rib-sticking Quick and Healthy Vegetable Dumpling Soup from Megan Ware at Nutrition Awareness.

You can’t tell me that after drooling over looking at these delicious meals you’re still going to miss the meat.  Seriously?  *sigh*  Tough crowd.

If you’re looking for the global inspiration, there are 29 countries currently participating in #MeatlessMonday campaigns.  There are plenty of recipes and ideas to keep your palette excited and not missing the meat.